In the United States, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments have recently been distributed by the Social Security Administration, however, there is a problem related to postal mail. The United States Postal Service (USPS) is facing a complex situation to manage the situation. Susan Halberg, a member of the Center for Retirement Policy, states that a solution will have to be found for those who are directly affected. Also, in the cities of Cleveland and Phoenix, Maria Lopez, is working as Direct Express to address the issue. SSA.gov should update the situation so that no one is caught in a complex situation. Read on to learn more about the current situation.
The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments recent distribution
On Tuesday, July 1, 2025, the Social Security Administration (SSA) timely distributed Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments to close to 7.5 million beneficiaries. Nevethless, at the same time, millions celebrated the incoming of their funds, a vulnerable group had to deal a different situación : more than 521,000 citizents who are now relying on physical checks are involved in an uncertain pause.
These beneficiaries—senior citizens, people with disabilities, and families with children living in extreme poverty—can experience delays of up to three business days because of the several limitations charged by the US Postal Service (USPS). In cities such as New York and Los Angeles, internal restructuring has extended these deadlines.
“The people who need these benefits most are also the most affected by any delay,” warns Susan Halberg, an analyst at the Center for Retirement Policy. “A day’s delay can mean going hungry.”
SSI paper check payments will be eliminated: how to transition to digital ways
The SSA has been presented a new method, in its place the digital transition is a new way that is being developed. Since 2013, direct deposit has been mandatory for recent beneficiaries, and nowadays it covers 99% of payments.
“Electronic funds always arrive on the first day, even on weekends,” uniderlines an SSA spokesperson.
Those who are under can modification their funds through ssa.gov, by calling 1-800-772-1213, or at local offices. However, patience is running out, this is because a federal executive order establishes that starting September 30, 2025, paper checks will be removed, with limited exceptions.
Those who stand form on receiving them must request a waiver before that excat date. Experts fear that thousands, in particular seniors in rural areas with limited banking access, will be left with no protection if they do not regularize their living situation.
A Postal System under pressure
The delays are no by accident. The USPS is struggling with budget cuts and logistical issues impacting entire areas, and this alter the Social Security payments, from retirement and disability (SSDI) to SSI benefits. Those beneficiaries in the Midwest reported waits of five days in June. The SSA suggets reporting lost checks after 10 business days, but the replacement procedure can take some weeks.
In the meantime, community organizations are redoubling their aims. In Cleveland, volunteers are helping migrants open Direct Express card accounts. In Phoenix, senior centers are dontating workshops on digital banking.
“It’s a race against time,” admits María López, a social worker. “September will come quickly.”
2025 remaining payment schedule for SSI recipients
For the next months, the SSA confirmed that payments will keep their normal distribution on the first business day of each month, with adjustments by the time the first falls on a weekend. These payments for August 2025 will be issued on Friday, August 1, since that day falls on a weekday. For September 2025, SSI payments arrive on Monday, September 1. Moving forward, the October 2025 payments are on Wednesday, October 1. In November 2025, due to the fact that November 1 is a Saturday, the payment moves to the previous business day, Friday, October 31. At the end, December 2025 SSI payments are programmed for Monday, December 1 and will see the payment for January 2026 issued on Wednesday 31.